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Using eXtplorer: file-management web-interface

Get the software

You can download eXtplorer by visiting their webpage: http://extplorer.sourceforge.net

Please note that eXtplorer is a PHP-based hosted application. It can only be installed on apache-php web-servers like WebEnabled.

eXtplorer is open source. You can download the software free-of-charge, and you can contribute back to the community by improving the source-code.

Versions

Stable
Releases that are well-tested and with fewer bugs. It is highly-recommended to use the stable release when deploying this software on your remote-server.

Beta (and release-candidates)
Development-builds that require more testing and code-improvement. Available at eXtplorer's project-page on SourceForge.net

Software Facts

  • A web-based file-management tool -- and so much more!
    • user-account management for storage & access limit
    • text-editor
    • file/folder actions:
      • change permission
      • rename / delete files
      • move, copy, archive, unpack
  • Compact
    • It doesn't require a database server.
    • Built with the Ext JavaScript library.
      • ExtJS provide rich GUI-based form controls, which is leveraged by eXtplorer.
      • It can run on most javascript-enabled browsers.
  • Fast & Portable
    • Manage your files directly on your browser.
    • Access your files whether you're on a PC, Linux or Mac.

How to install and configure eXtplorer on WebEnabled

1: Download

2: Access your site's remote directory

via SFTP

Use an SFTP client to upload the eXtplorer archive to your remote folder.


via Linux Shell command-line


3: Upload. Extract. Install.

Create a folder to store the eXtplorer source-files.

Do this before you unpack (extract), to avoid the source-files accidentally being scattered on your remote directory.

Make sure that the folder's path is browser-accessible. Ideally this can be anywhere inside public_html/w_XXX
Extract eXtplorer inside the folder you just created.

For example, extract the archive inside: public_html/w_XXX/extplore
where ("extplore" is the custom-created folder).

Doing so will make it accessible on the browser by visiting:
http://XXX.dev3.webenabled.net/extplore
(this is a sample url only)
Make sure you've set the right folder permissions (accessible publicly).

4: Configure eXtplorer

On your browser, access the path where you installed the eXtplorer source-files.
Log-in for the first time.
  • username: admin
  • password: admin
Change the admin password.
  • Do this to protect eXtplorer from being accessed by anyone.
  • You may also want to consider creating virtual accounts with minimal privileges.


Using eXtplorer

Here are screenshots of common tasks that you can do using eXtplorer.

You'll find the list of actions you are allowed to execute by RIGHT-CLICKING files or folders.

Manage files

Create new Folder

 You can create:
  • Folders
  • Files
  • Symbolic Links

Rename files

 *this will not work if mv is not available on your environment.

Change permissions

 *this will not work if chmod is not available on your environment.

Edit Code

 Syntax highlighting is available on version 2.1+

Upload local files, or, Acquire remote files via web-wget

 Modes:
  • Upload local file(s)
  • Transfer from another Server
*transfer from another server will not work if wget is not available on your environment.

Extract archives

 Archives supported:
  • .zip
  • .gz
  • .bz
*Supported archives may vary depending on compression libraries available on your environment.


Other tasks

Add, Edit, Delete User accounts

Connect to another server via FTP

Quick-Jump Bookmarks

REMINDERS.

Security Liability

The security of your environment is up to you. It is your responsibility to make sure it's not at risk of being exploited.

Deleted and modified files
Deleted files/folders are gone forever. No one can bring it back for you! Always make backups of important files before making any changes in case you need to restore a copy.

Storage Limit
Before uploading or storing files to your remote directory, always recall your disk-space limit. If in doubt, review your application's environment and adjust the disk-space if deemed necessary.

Software

Browser issues
If you encounter weird display on your browser, try refreshing the page and see if it resolves.

Software issues
If you spot a bug, look it up or report it to the eXtplorer issue queue.

For a printable / pdf version, click here.